Alubihod, Guimaras : Weekend Getaway

The island of Guimaras is most famous for its sweet mangoes and of course, its unspoiled white sand beaches and breathtaking islets. For a weekend respite me and my friends chose one of the famous beach destinations, which is Alubihod. This small stretch of beach paradise is located in Nueva Valencia, a 30-45 minute travel from Jordan Wharf, and we decided to stay at Raymen’s. 

  

There are three resorts open for accommodation, the other two namely Alubihod Cove and Rico Beach Resort. But Raymen’s has been popular way back for its affordable prices and acceptable accommodations.

Raymen's

I’ve read blogs regarding problems in contacting the resort for reservations, and we were not spared. We tried texting and calling the numbers posted online but no one answered or the numbers were not working. It was a good thing we arrived just in time because the rooms were almost filled, and we got the air-conditioned room good for 8 (which was according to our plan). (I've commented to the front desk that their numbers were not working, and they say that they're working on the signal problems.) Entrance fee for adults is Php 25/head, and for children Php 10/head.

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Updated rates as of March 1, 2013

But we were not prepared because the room rates have just increased by Php 200 one day before our trip (and it was Php 600 more from our expected rates)! Bummer. But we were there to have fun so we didn’t mind. So for some advice, better come early to the resort especially on weekends and summertime to ensure your accommodations.

Updated rates as of March 1, 2013

Compared ten years ago, Raymen’s has improved a lot. Back then, the cottages were still run down, the fan rooms were still an open room, and most of the guests that would stay overnight would sleep in pavillions that are open to forces of nature. I suggest that if you want a more comfortable stay, you should opt for airconditioned rooms, because I think the fan rooms are ok if you are game for any kind of accommodation. And I think one should not raise their expectations when it comes to these fan rooms. Our room which was good for 8 was located beside the cafeteria. It has 4 separated beds, airconditioned, with a personal refrigerator, and the comfort room and shower was clean. It also comes with complimentary bottled water, small packets of shampoo and soap, and toilet paper.

Covered walkway towards the beach. The grilling station is to the left.

When it comes to food, you may bring your own but you have to pay the corkage. There is also a grilling station near the cottages for your grilled specialties. The cafeteria also serves food, but if you don’t want to complain just bring your own. Sari-sari stores are also located outside the resort, where you could buy uling and other stuff.

Raymen's beachfront

Raymen’s have a lifeguard stationed in their beach front, and perimeter floaters are placed in the water to discourage the swimmers not to venture farther. Island tours are also being offerred. Rates are the same whether you book inside the resort or at the kiosk at the beach. 

 

As early as 6am there would be boatmen ready to take you out on a trip, which usually take three hours. It is much recommended to start out early because one of the destination, the Natago Beach, can only be appreciated when in low tide. You also have to bring your own food and drinks because they don’t offer it. Snorkels can also be rented for Php100 each, but some boatmen would give discounts half the price.

The boat good for 6 persons

The usual island destinations are the Ave Maria Island, where you could snorkel; Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center just in front of Ave Maria where you’ll get to meet pawikan turtles (donation of Php5); Buho Ramirez Cave (where Baras Beach Resort is located at the back); and Natago Beach (donation of Php5/head to the caretaker). You could also venture out farther to Isla Pulang Pasayan (Tiniguiban Island), SEAFDEC Research Center, and Guisi Beach.  
 

Ave Maria Island

Buho Ramirez Cave entrance

Natago Beach

Natago Beach House

Pawikan at Turtle Island

Alubihod and the surrounding islands has its own charms. It may or may not live up to your expectations, it may not be like other places where you could see a lot of fish when snorkeling, or have easier mode of transportation, or one that could offer you a five-star accommodation,  but still it's one of the island paradise where you could get away from your busy schedule and enjoy the sea and sun.

courtesy of wikipedia.com

HOW TO GET THERE

Jump-off point is at Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City, and fare for the pumpboat ride of 15 minutes is Php 14 (Php 20 at night). At Jordan Wharf, you could approach the Tourism Officer for some questions regarding transportations or other inquiries you have. If you opt to take the Jeepney (Nueva Valencia, until 4-5pm), fare is Php 30 and expect a trip of almost an hour because the jeepney will have stops to load passengers. Just tell the conductor to drop you off in Alubihod Crossing (landmark is a red gasoline station, right side of the road), and from there you ride a tricycle (10-15minute ride) for Php 15 to Raymen’s.

For faster travel, Multicabs are also available for hire for Php 450 (one way) with capacity of ten persons, Tricycles for Php 250 with maximum of six persons (the tourism officers don’t recommend this one, but if you want an adventure go ahead! ^_^).

When we went home, we opted to hire a tricycle from Raymen all the way to Jordan Wharf for Php 300 (their usual rate) because it was faster than waiting for the jeepney, and it only took us about 30 minutes to reach the wharf. And not once while we were travelling back did a passenger jeepney also going to the wharf passed us by.

Raymen Beach Resort

Sitio Alubihod, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Mobile: +63918-5207271/ +63927-5605107

Landline: (033) 582-1456/(033) 582-1457/

(033)396-0252/(033)396-0248

Look for Ma. Fe/Ferolyn Jane

Check In Time: 2:00 PM / Check Out Time: 12:00 NN

Reservation: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Free Wifi connection

OTHER  GUIMARAS DESTINATIONS

Along the way, you could stop by the Trappist Monastery for a visit, for some moment of silence and hoarding of their products for pasalubong. For your pasalubong of the famed Guimaras mangoes, you could drop by in New Site, San Miguel, Jordan where kiosks of mangoes are being sold. You could also make a side trip to Guimaras Adventure Park located at Alaguisoc, Jordan Guimaras  for some paintball experience. These were part of our itinerary, but since we were tired we omitted these. I hope there would be a next time (if our schedules permit. Cross my fingers!).